Police reinforce bike safety after child’s accident

A 10-year-old boys severe brain injury after falling off his gasoline-powered bike has prompted Middletown Police to reinforce the importance of wearing a helmet while on any type of bike.

Middletown Police Lt. Scott Reeve said the boy lost control of his bike Oct. 2 and crashed after he hit a crack in the sidewalk in the 1600 block of North Marshall Road.

The boy was flown to Dayton Childrens Medical Center for treatment. According to a police report, he was in the ICU for several days to monitor the swelling in his brain.

He had fairly serious head injuries and was in a coma a few days after the incident, Reeve said.

Police have investigated the incident and determined it was an accident so no criminal charges will be filed, but Reeve said this incident illustrates the importance of wearing a helmet while on a bike.

This is a terrible tragedy, hope others learn from this and encourage their children when riding a bicycle or mini bike to wear proper head gear, Reeve said.

According to Dayton Childrens Medical Center more children between the ages of five and 14 are seen in the emergency room for injuries related to biking than any other sport.

Officials said helmets reduce the risk of severe brain injuries by 88 percent, yet only 45 percent of children 14 and younger usually wear a bike helmet.

The Safety Council of Southwestern Ohio reports between January and Sept. 16 of this year there were 16 reported fatalities in Ohio involving adults and children on bicycles. Last year there were 18 reported fatalities in Ohio involving adults and children on bicycles.

Officials said most injuries occur in the 11 to 15 age group.

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Police reinforce bike safety after child’s accident